Sasha Cooke is a renowned mezzo-soprano in the world of classical music. Born on August 16, 1980, in California, Cooke grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Cooke started singing at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to pursue a career in music. Cooke attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2003 and went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the same institution in 2005. Cooke's career took off in 2007 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. This prestigious competition is known for launching the careers of many successful opera singers. Cooke's win led to her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 2008, where she played the role of Kitty Oppenheimer in John Adams' opera "Doctor Atomic." Since then, Cooke has performed in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the San Francisco Opera. She has also performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of Cooke's most notable performances was in the world premiere of John Adams' opera "Girls of the Golden West" in 2017. The opera tells the story of the California Gold Rush and the women who lived through it. Cooke played the role of Dame Shirley, a real-life figure who chronicled her experiences in the gold fields in a series of letters. Cooke's performance was praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocals. Cooke has also received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2011, she won a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording for her performance in John Adams' "Doctor Atomic." She has also been nominated for several other Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Vocal Solo and Best Classical Compendium. In addition to her opera performances, Cooke is also a sought-after concert performer. She has performed in many of the world's leading concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel. Cooke is known for her versatility as a performer, with a repertoire that spans from Baroque to contemporary music. She has performed in many world premieres of new works by contemporary composers, including John Adams, Nico Muhly, and Mark Adamo. Cooke is also a dedicated educator and mentor. She has taught masterclasses at many institutions, including the Juilliard School and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is also a faculty member at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she teaches voice. In conclusion, Sasha Cooke is a highly accomplished mezzo-soprano with a career that spans opera, concert, and contemporary music. Her powerful vocals and emotional depth have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. She is also a dedicated educator and mentor, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians.

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